One retires; another begins

Ian Morrison (65), who recently retired as director of Education Support Services, Dunedin, and...
Ian Morrison (65), who recently retired as director of Education Support Services, Dunedin, and his granddaughter Lucy Morrison (5) share a happy moment yesterday. Photo by Peter McIntosh.
One door closes, another door opens.

Ian Morrison (65) retired as director of Education Support Services, at the University of Otago College of Education, on January 31, after 22 years at the Support Services, and 42 years working in the New Zealand education system.

And that day his granddaughter, Lucy Morrison (5), also started school, at St Clair School.

"It just seems to fit nicely," Mr Morrison said of that day of arrival and departure.

He is keeping his options open for the future, but it is time to head in "new directions" and to take more interest in Lucy and his other four grandchildren, and to help them with their education, he said.

A keen fisherman, he also hopes to spend a little more time fishing, including on the Rangatata River.

Dunedin-born, Mr Morrison initially served as manager at the Ministry of Education-funded Support Services, before becoming director about a year ago.

The support organisation employs about 15 staff, including in Southland, and provides professional development backing for more than 260 primary, intermediate and secondary schools throughout Otago-Southland.

Mr Morrison was back at the college yesterday for a farewell function in his honour.

His educational career has generally been a happy, positive experience.

"I loved it. I've enjoyed the good stuff.

"I've been looked after by a lot of people over a long period of time."

And he is convinced some of New Zealand's best schools, teachers and principals are in Otago-Southland, including in rural areas.

He has relished his experience of supporting schools, and their children, teachers and principals, but the growing central control of the country's schools has been a less fortunate development.

Schools of any size can encounter difficulties, but small schools can also be high-quality and effective institutions, and well supported by their communities, he emphasised.

And he disagrees with adopting any "one-size-fits-all" approach which could result in many small schools being closed.

• After completing his teaching qualifications at the then Dunedin Teachers College in 1968, Mr Morrison taught at several schools, including in Dunedin, and was principal at Winchester School, in Canterbury.

He then spent five years as a Dunedin-based adviser to rural schools, before taking up the college post in 1990.

- john.gibb@odt.co.nz

 

Add a Comment

 

Advertisement